Non-league previews: Stourbridge meet Halesowen Town in 'Number Nine' derby
Few games capture attention and conjure up as much excitement as the ‘Number Nine’ derby that Liam McDonald said is a “celebration” of Halesowen and Stourbridge.
The rivals face off at the War Memorial Ground tomorrow for what promises to be 90-minutes of passion, determination and hunger to win.
Halesowen enter the much-awaited clash with a spring in their step - unbeaten in their last five Southern Central Premier games, sitting second in the standings, and with the double over their rivals last season fresh in the memory.
That included a dramatic 4-3 win at the War Memorial Ground that will host a maximum of 450 Halesowen supporters tomorrow due to safety measures after concerns surrounding the ground.
The historic derby will also be a first for both managers who have each begun new journeys and projects at their retrospective clubs. Halesowen’s Russell Penn, who previously took Kidderminster Harriers to the National League, meets Liam McDonald who led Rushall Olympic to the National League North.
McDonald’s Stourbridge sit closely behind their rivals, in fifth and five points behind, and the Glassboys boss is excited for the occasion as he targets victory.
“It is a date that supporters put in the calendar, and you want to make sure that you win the game,” said McDonald.
“To do that is going to be difficult, we are playing one of the best and most consistent teams in the division. It is going to be an extremely difficult game.
“Everyone has been excited this week. We have had disappointment with the ground and the politics behind that. We tried everything to get as many Halesowen fans in.
“I have played there and now manage Stourbridge, I know what both sets of fans bring.
“It’s more of a celebration of two teams.
“The last two years we haven’t been performing at our best and now we find ourselves fighting towards the top and this group of players have done so well to put us in this position.
“On Saturday we get to go and enjoy all the hard work we’ve put in. Above anything we want to make sure we send our fans home smiling.”
The derby has long been one of the most supported and eagerly anticipated fixtures in the local non-league scene. The clash is known as the 'No.9 derby' as both clubs are on the number nine bus route.
For Halesowen boss Russell Penn, this is a chance for his side to continue their excellent form.
He said: “I’m really excited. It’s a big game, but it’s another league game and all we can get is three points, but there is that extra bit of spice with it being the local derby.
“It’s about bragging rights, but it’s for three points, and we are looking to get those to continue the form. If you can do it against your rivals then it takes you into the Christmas period with a bit of a bounce.
“They have got some good players and have recruited really well. They are at home and they try to use that as an advantage.”
Meanwhile, in National League North, Kidderminster Harriers host Leamington and Rushall Olympic go to Hereford.
